Often when developers start out in a new programming language or framework the first application they produce is 'Hello World', it's a simple but effective way of demonstrating basic syntax and a normal first step. So, Re-Hello World is an apt name for this post! I’ve been pretty quiet for a while but after an interesting couple of years, I'm back with some new projects. It’s been just over 2 years since I sold my business, Silverchip and 18 months since I stopped working there. You could say, it’s been a ride … I’ve spent the last couple of years navigating the inner workings of the legal system and how it works, or in most cases, does not work in any meaningful way! I'm sure I'll talk more on this but now I want to look to the future. Most importantly, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on what was an epic 15 years. It started in 2007 as a consultancy, I got to work with incredible brands, agencies and individuals, many of whom who had a huge influence on the path that I ended up taking, but most importantly, I developed a passion for hand crafted software, ignoring the off the shelf frameworks and focusing on building bespoke solutions, I loved the problem solving, the craftsmanship and the path it took me on was beyond my expectations. Then in 2010, over various online games, myself and Jamie re-imagined what Silverchip could be, how we could work with bigger customers, drive bigger technology change and build something that reflected our way of thinking and doing things. Despite being told we were too young & too inexperienced we set out a clear path to build a place we wanted to work in. From there until July 2022 we were privileged to have ran what I still consider to be whats was one of the best software agencies in Manchester, we built a team of incredible people and of course we made mistakes along the way but each time we adapted, one thing was for sure, change was part of our DNA. The business success was a huge source of pride, but for me I'm most proud that we not only trained people to be great developers but opened doors for people to join the digital industry, and we drove meaningful change through technology, not just for our customers but for our passion projects as well and we had a bloody great time doing it. As of today, most of the Silverchip alumni have now moved onto other things, working with great organisations around the country and world, some have setup on their own, some have joined exciting startups and some have switched industries to follow a passion. It's been fascinating watching the team grow and develop and I know every one of them will go onto great things. And one things for sure, I’m immensely proud of all of them and the business we all built together. So what now? Well this is where the future is really bright, I’ve been fortunate enough to have gotten to work with a number of companies in a fractional and advisor role, working with the boards and tech teams to assist with strategy and mentorship. I’ve also been learning again, re-assessing what the developer landscape looks like, how we can use the new and emerging tools to do things better, faster and more enjoyably. It’s a strange time at the moment but it feels like it did in 2010, there's an air of change and of progress and I’m excited to be back part of it. Alongside this, I’ve been working on new projects which I’m excited to put out there but I have the benefit of time, so allowing these projects to develop and take shape has been a real joy, watch this space. I’ve got podcast and event appearances scheduled and also been meeting with and chatting to people, seeing what’s happening in the world and it’s been a real joy to catch up with new and old friends. If you fancy a chat to talk, agency, tech, business, private equity or anything in between drop me a message. But for now, as the sun finally sets on one chapter, a chapter that I’ll be forever grateful for the next one awaits

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